The world's leading corporate travel management organization gives a helping hand to one of the world's largest child welfare organizations when Business Travel International (BTI) holds its annual worldwide charity event to raise money for SOS Children's Villages as part of BTI Day.
On Thursday, September 2nd, BTI staff in offices across Canada will be joining BTI employees in nearly 100 countries to support the work of SOS Children's Villages across the world. BTI day, now in its ninth year, sees all BTI partners and staff joining in to do their part. Last year BTI offices in Canada raised $5,300 for SOS Children's Villages.
They hope to match or better that amount this year. Once the total raised passes $5,000. it triggers a dollar for dollar match, with the result that $10,000 plus will go to an SOS Village selected by BTI. Balloon bursts, raffles, dressing down and pizza lunches will be the order of the day.
Representatives from SOS Children's Villages Canada will be on hand at BTI offices across the country to take part in the fun, show their appreciation and share their dedication and commitment to the work of SOS Children's Villages for children throughout the world.
SOS will be represented in Toronto by former SOS Board Member Tahira Haque, while SOS National Director, Boyd McBride will be joining the Ottawa celebrations. Across the country in Calgary, Susan Himann and Nadia Mahmud two of the organization's many devoted volunteers will take part. SOS Children's Villages Canada Board Member Jenny Kaderali will join BTI staff in Vancouver.
Founded in 1969, SOS Children's Villages Canada works to raise awareness of, and financial support for, the international work of the organization to build and strengthen families through community-based long-term family care. In addition to the hallmark SOS Children's Villages throughout the world, SOS works with communities through social, medical and educational programmes to alleviate poverty among vulnerable children and families.
Commenting that 2004 marks the 35th Anniversary of SOS Children's Villages Canada, National Director Boyd McBride expressed the organization's appreciation for the support of partners like BTI. "We are extremely grateful for the tremendous commitment of all of our supporters, donors and volunteers," he said. "We believe that all of us are part of a team, dedicated to the care, safety and well-being of the children and families we serve."